BUILDING OR RENOVATING? Jonathan Smith. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) says: ASK TO SEE THEIR CARD

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1 BUILDING OR RENOVATING? SORT THE PROS FROM THE CONS Jonathan Smith Certifying Plumber Tradesman Gasfitter Journeyman Drainlayer Details of the work this licence holder is entitled to carry out are available at EXP: 31 MARCH 20XX The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) says: ASK TO SEE THEIR CARD A consumer guide to sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying

2 to carry out are available at Jonathan Smith Certifying Plumber Tradesman Gasfitter Journeyman Drainlayer EXP: 31 MARCH 20XX Details of the work this licence holder is entitled WHO CAN I TRUST? Everyone authorised to undertake restricted sanitary plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work must carry their NZ Practising Licence and are required to produce it when asked. THE PROS Get peace of mind Only those who are registered and authorised by the PGDB can hold a NZ Practising Licence. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that the work is legal and is being carried out by someone who is experienced and competent. Put your property and the health and safety of your family first To obtain a NZ Practising Licence, an authorised tradesperson undertakes rigorous high-quality training. It takes six years of work and study to become a certifying level plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer (the highest level of qualification). To maintain their authorisation all tradespeople must also attend annual continuing professional development training. They are up to date with health and safety standards, relevant codes, laws and product installation requirements. THE CONS Your property and the health and safety of your family are at risk The PGDB and The Insurance Council NZ warn consumers that work carried out by anyone who does not hold a NZ Practising Licence can void your insurance policy. Your home has a complex network of pipes and fittings that mix high pressures, high temperatures, gas, electricity and many other high-risk hazards which are dangerous and could potentially put your family s health and safety under threat if not handled correctly.

3 LEGISLATION In New Zealand, you can buy fittings and appliances but it s illegal to do restricted sanitary plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work yourself. You need an authorised tradesperson. How do you know they re authorised? SORT THE PROS FROM THE CONS EXP: 31 MARCH 20XX ASK TO SEE THEIR CARD VITAL TO YOUR FAMILY S HEALTH AND SAFETY Kiwis love having a go, but most sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work is restricted and illegal to do yourself. That s because there are health and safety risks, mistakes are costly, and you could void your insurance. So call a professional and make sure they really are one. Ask to see their card.

4 WHAT IS SANITARY PLUMBING? Restricted sanitary plumbing is any work involved in fixing or unfixing any pipe, plumbing fixture or appliance including any trap, waste or soil pipe, ventilation pipe, or overflow pipe and any pipe that supplies or is intended to supply water. All sanitary plumbing must comply with the Building Code, and where a building consent is required, the work should be checked by the building inspector from the building control authority in your area (local council). A code of compliance certificate cannot be issued until the work has been signed off by the building inspector. WHAT SANITARY PLUMBING DOES NOT INCLUDE People who are not licensed plumbers can undertake some basic tasks. Work that is not defined as restricted sanitary plumbing work includes the installation of appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, changing tap washers, and replacement or repair of taps, ball valves and plugs.

5 WHAT IS DRAINLAYING? Restricted drainlaying is any work involving the installation, alteration or repairs to a drain, including the fixing or unfixing of a drain to an onsite wastewater system (septic tank) or any gully trap. All drainlaying work must comply with the Building Code and where a building consent is required, the work should be checked by the building inspector from the building control authority in your area (local council). A code of compliance certificate cannot be issued until the work has been signed off by the building inspector. WHAT DRAINLAYING WORK DOES NOT INCLUDE People who are not licensed drainlayers can undertake some basic tasks. Work that is not defined as restricted drainlaying work includes clearing blocked drains, however, only if this does not involve altering or repairing the inspection pipe or ventilation pipe in any way.

6 WHAT IS GASFITTING? Restricted gasfitting is any work involved in installing, altering or repairing gas appliances. This includes the fixing or unfixing of any gas pipes, ventilation or flue pipes, commissioning gas appliances, and ensuring their safe operation. The testing, setting, checking and adjusting of safety devices, combustion conditions and controls associated with the gas installation, and ensuring there is adequate ventilation, is also defined as gasfitting. It includes work on gas appliances fixed within buildings that are supplied by gas bottles of any size. Gasfitting also includes work on appliances fitted to ships, boats, caravans, motorhomes, trains and any other vehicles. WHAT GASFITTING WORK DOES NOT INCLUDE People who are not licensed gasfitters may undertake basic tasks. Work that is not defined as restricted gasfitting work includes work on portable gas appliances which have the gas bottle attached (generally 9kg) such as barbecues, cabinet heaters and patio heaters. Important note: You need to obtain a gas certificate or certificate of compliance after the installation of most gas appliances. If you are unsure contact the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) for advice.

7 WHO CAN DO RESTRICTED WORK? 1st tier 2nd tier 3rd tier Training Exempt worker Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Tradesman Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Journeyman Plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer Limited Certificate Trainee Not registered or qualified The highest qualification available. These people are qualified and registered. They are responsible for ensuring both their own work and the work of anyone they supervise is done competently. These people are qualified and registered and usually work independently. However, a nominated certifying tradesperson (supervisor), is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the work is done competently. These people have completed a trade qualification but have not passed the Board s licensing exam. They are registered and authorised to install but must be supervised by a certifying person who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the work is done competently. These are people are working towards becoming qualified and registered. They can do the work but must be supervised by a certifying person who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the work is done competently. These people don t have any qualification but can do plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying work provided they are the under the supervision of a certifying person (direct supervision for the first two years), who must ensure that the work is done competently.